"When my brother isn't home."I nod at the lights streaming from the windows."You can tell he's home because there isn't a light he won't turn on. I think he secretly has stock in BG&E."
We clean up our mess and a few minutes later, a small sedanpullsto the curb. I check the details on the app against the car and, satisfied it's the ride I ordered, open the door forPalmer. Shekissesme on the cheek before sliding in and shutting the door. Imotion for her to roll down the window.
"You're going to kill ittomorrow."
Her face lights up."Thankyou."
Iwatchthe car drive away until the taillights disappear around the corner before crossing the street. Who knew getting intoPalmerYork's pants would be the easy part? The challenge is getting into her heart. I'm going to have to convince her I'm more than what everyone saw on the surface and I have nofuckingidea how I'm going to do it.
Seven
Palmer
"Crash!"I yell at my defenders as the Warriors attack makes a fastbreakand takes ashot. Defense deflects, but it bounces out of one of their pockets and right back to the offense, who spin and shoot again. I'm ready, dropping mystickto catch the ball as it goes low. The crowd cheers. I count to 9 beforeleavingthe crease, giving myteammatestime to get open.
"Clear!"Islidemy hand up the shaft and launch the ball toward Ava, our star midfielder and Captain. She catches it on therun, spins around one defender, then makes aquickbackward pass to Jewel. The move takes our opponents by surprise, and Jewel handily puts the ball in the net over the goalie's left shoulder.
The whistle blows, ending thegame.BaltimoreBattle 14, Syracuse Warriors 6. I unsnap my helmet and celebrate the win with myteammates. After shaking hands with our opponents, we head into the locker room for the usual post-gamespeech byCoachArkhady.
My heart hitches when I seeCharlieat the entrance to the tunnel filming the team'swalkback. He looks up from the viewfinder and catches my eye. Hisgrinstretches across his face, both his dimples on full display. It's contagious, and I return the smile with my own.
"Greatgameout there,"he says as Iwalkpast."Told you you'd kill it."
I don't get achanceto respond, carried through by a wave ofteammates. There is much cheering in the locker room, but onceCoachenters, Ava whistles and we allfallsilent.
"That was a tremendousstartto what is sure to be a stellarseason. If we keep up this momentum, if we keepplayinghard and making our connections, we can go all the way again this year."She pauses to allow for cheers. "I want to call out our attack line for a superior performance today. We started out a little slow, but by the second period, we were on a roll and we didn't let up.
"Defense,"she motions toward the back of the room, where Istandwith Andi, Marisol, and Vera, my D-line,"You held the line and kept them to single digits in goal. Excellent job, especially on your part, York. Your firststartas goaltender was a massive success. While we all hope for a speedy recovery fromTisha, I think we can be confident we're in good hands withPalmer."
"Hear, hear!"Tishashouts. I give her a grateful smile.
"Four days until our nextgame. Go home fortonight, enjoy the win, and get ready to hit it hard atpracticetomorrow. Showtime eight a.m. Bring it in."
We move closer together, layering our hands ontopof one another."On 3,"Coachdirects,"1, 2, 3..."
"Battle! Family!"we all cry, lifting our hands.
After aquickshower, Istandat my locker making sure my equipment is set up fortomorrow.Tishaleans against her locker next tomine."You going out with theteamtonight?"
"I guess."Honestly, I don't want to. I want to findCharlie. I'm anxious for my first lesson. Last night, it took me a while after I got home to unwind and settle into bed. When I finally found sleep, he invaded my dreams, and I woke up wet, restless, and needy. It probably says something that in three years withBrennan, I never woke up like that.
"You have to come celebrate,"she says."We're only going to Harbor Lights. Nothing too crazy. It's Karaoke Night."
I roll my eyes."Okay, but I'm not singing."
Tishapouts, sticking herlipout for maximum effect."Who's going to be Sporty Spice when we do 'Wannabe'?"
"Ask one of the rookies,"I suggest."It'll make them feel like part of theteam."
Tishaclicks hertongue."You're nofun."
"Yeah, I know. I'm trying to fix that,"I say with agrin.
"Oh yeah?"Tishawaggles her eyebrows."Anyone helping?"
"Maybe,"I say, concentrating hard on my gym bag. There hadn't been time before thegametoday to tell her about last night.
"Is itCharlie? Please say it'sCharlie."
